Going Green

New Landscaping Is Sprouting At Hollywood's Gateways At Interstate 95

February 27, 1998|By DAVID CAZARES Staff Writer

HOLLYWOOD — Motorists soon will notice lush landscaping at all of the city's approaches to Interstate 95.

The first of four improved gateways to the city, at Hollywood Boulevard and I-95, already has been landscaped with palm trees and other plants, thanks to an agreement between the city and the state Department of Transportation, which is financing the project.

Soon, the slopes that support the interstate will also be planted with 4,166 seagrape bushes.

The extra work was made possible on Feb. 18, when the City Commission voted to spend another $40,000 in grant funds on the project.

Similar work will get under way soon at Stirling Road, Sheridan Street and Pembroke Road, where the transportation department has committed $60,000 to each intersection, said Greg Turek, the city's public works director.

City officials say the beautification work is long overdue.

``A lot of those entrances into the city create an impression of Hollywood,'' city spokeswoman Arlene Allen said. ``It's going to help enhance our image by making the city more attractive to residents and visitors.''

For years, Hollywood's four exits had been plagued with overgrown grass, cement walls and utility poles that were unsightly.

Last summer, the city began pushing transportation officials for improvements that included tall rows of palm trees, shrubs and elaborate flower gardens.

The improvement projects are part of the city's effort to spruce up each of the entrances to the city.

A major project is also planned along State Road A1A that will install landscaping at the northern and southern entrances to Hollywood.

Residents say the new landscaping will help make Hollywood a more presentable place. ``It's very nice,'' said Lori Gold, who lives in the Lakes neighborhood in eastern Hollywood. ``I like trees. I'm all for them.''